City backs fair housing

Council also OKs minor subdivision

The Morris City Council Monday evening proclaimed April “National Fair Housing Month.”

The month, which celebrates the historic 1968 law that prohibits discrimination concerning housing on the basis of factors such as race, religion, sex, national origin or sexual orientation, is recognized across the country.

Mayor Richard Kopczick said approving the proclamation establishes Morris as an open community.

“It totally makes sense,” Kopczick said after the meeting. “It’s a great thing.”

The measure passed unanimously.

In other business, the city council approved a minor subdivision for two business lots off U.S. 6 and the future Locust Road.

The Morris Planning Commission had already approved the plan.

The property, owned by John Galloway and the Narvick family, was annexed into the city in 2006, when it was zoned Business-3.

They since purchased a narrow piece of property to the west and plan to split all their property into two lots.

The council also approved a request by Tim Beshoar of Nicor to place a “Call 811 Before Digging” banner on city hall property for a month.

Calling the number, Kopczick said after the meeting, will provide information regarding underground wires and piping that may be dangerous.